District School Grades Released

Santa Fe, NM: On August 24, 2016, the New Mexico Public Education Department released school grades for the 2015-2016 school year. Overall, ten Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) increased at least one letter grade this past year, eleven decreased at least one letter grade, and eight remained steady. Additionally, five Santa Fe Public Schools earned a grade of A and five earned a grade of F.

Two SFPS schools, Carlos Gilbert Elementary and Wood Gormley Elementary, maintained their A grade. Dr. Veronica C. Garcia, interim superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools, said, “We are particularly proud of Carlos Gilbert Elementary and Wood Gormley Elementary for earning a grade of A for three and four years in a row, respectively. While schools across the state often struggle to maintain a stable school grade, these two SFPS schools are the model of consistency and excellence.”

Acequia Madre Elementary and Pinon Elementary, two schools with noticeably different demographics, both increased their school grade one letter grade, going from a B in 2015 to an A in 2016. Dr. Garcia stated, “The lessons learned from analyzing the results for these two schools demonstrate all children, regardless of zip code, are capable of experiencing high-levels of academic success.”

Salazar Elementary increased two letter grades earning an F in 2015 and a C in 2016. Dr. James Lujan, associate superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools, attributes this increase to a number of initiatives instituted at the school as well as the hard work and dedication of the students, families, and staff. He stated, “The dedicated staff of Salazar Elementary implemented an intervention program, extended learning opportunities, and a block schedule for math and reading. The families of our students supported these initiatives, and students worked hard. I’m proud of Salazar Elementary!”

Cesar Chavez Elementary, De Vargas Middle School, Ortiz Middle School, The Academy at Larragoite, and Santa Fe High School earned an F in 2016. Dr. Garcia said, “It is unacceptable that we have five schools with a grade of F. With that said, all five schools will receive intensive support. I am confident we will see improvement over the next year.”
Dr. Garcia went on to state, “My overall response to these school grades is we will double our efforts at the District to provide strategic and targeted technical support and resources to our schools to ensure that principals and teachers have an optimum blueprint for academic success. Our students deserve no less.”